Langford Lake Cave

A brief primer

by Rob Bowen

Dependent on hydrology

•Cave formation

•Cave life

Hydrology is dependent

on soil and vegetation

Karst Topography Caves

Energy inputs

• No sun (no photosynthesis)

• Nutrients transported by ground water

• Low energy regime

• Very sensitive to change and contaminants

Caves offer

• A sense of exploration• Physical challenge• A chance to observe an environment that operates

in complete darkness• Educational opportunities to observe how water

can form a weak acid to dissolve and reform rock• The opportunity to observe specialized species

that have adapted to the cave environments• Cultural significance

Caves in Victoria Area

• At one time there were 20 caves in the Victoria area

• Now 9… 11 lost to development

• Langford Lake cave is considered to be an easy cave suitable for novice caveists

• The cave has been used to train cave rescue techniques

Resource people

• Paul Griffiths – Cave and karst inventory specialist

• Adrian Duncan – Vancouver Island Exploration Group president

• Rick Coles – Chair of the Canadian Cave Conservancy

Langford Lake Cave website: www.spencerspond.ca/cave/